Travel
London Packing List
August 15, 2025
We’re all about helping you look your best, wherever you are in the world. Here’s what to pack for a trip to London, according to contributing fashion editor, Cynthia Cook Smith.
Meet Our Expert: Cynthia Cook Smith
During her days at Vogue, Cynthia had a first-hand glance at everything from fashion shows to The Met Gala, dressing those around her for their special events. Fast forward almost ten years later, Cynthia styles her clients not just for their weddings, but also for their everyday lifestyles.
What to Wear in London
The City's Style: The beauty of London is that there isn’t one look—it’s a city of contradictions in the best way. It’s the birthplace of punk and the home of the royals. Tailored and eccentric, polished but never precious.
Our Fashion Fundamentals: When in doubt, stick to tweed accents, dark denim, and the quintessential trench coat. Mix your closet staples with some more edgy pieces you’ve been waiting to wear—it’s all about channeling that old-meets-new energy.
What to Pack for London
With 25 pieces you’ll wear throughout your stay, we’ve got everything you need. Play with color, accessorize, and keep it easy.
TOPS
Crisp White Button-Down
Breton Striped Long-Sleeve Tee
Lightweight Turtleneck
Knit Top
Blouse With Detail
BOTTOMS
Dark Jeans (Straight or Wide-Leg)
Tailored Trousers
Midi skirt (pleated or A-Line)
DRESSES
Shirt Dress
Knit Midi Dress or Sweater Dress
Statement Day Dress
OUTERWEAR
Classic Trench Coat
Wool Blazer
Structured Jacket
Packable Puffer or Quilted Jacket
FOOTWEAR
Stylish Walking Sneakers
Loafers
Ankle Boots
Ballet Flats Heels
ACCESSORIES
Structured Leather Bag
Silk Scarf
Wool or Cashmere Wrap
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Our Top 5 Packing Tips
Play With Texture
Think textures that mix and match effortlessly—denim, poplin, cashmere, suede.
Wear Comfy Shoes
Comfortable, polished shoes are key—the kind that look chic but can handle cobblestones.
Visit a Tailor
Tailor your trousers to the shoes you’re bringing—the right hemline is everything.
Finish the Look
The city is rainy and foggy (AKA lots of frizz). Consider booking a blowout so you feel (and look) true to you.
Pack Some Staples
I always bring a few staples in black cotton poplin—they’re endlessly versatile.
Ready to explore London? Here’s what to pack for everything from trips to the pub to nights at the theatre.
Travel
On the move? A chic travel outfit (with cashmere and comfy shoes) is an absolute must when going places.
Sightseeing
For the V&A, the Tate, or even the London Eye, pack an easy striped tee and cream denim you can’t go wrong in.
Tea Time
Sip and stay awhile. Enjoy your scones with jam and cream in a dress that goes from day to night.
Dinner
Don’t overdress for dinner at the Pelican. In the summer, a poplin blouse and sandals do the trick. In cooler months, pair a jacket and cream denim with black heels.
Football Game
While you might watch soccer stateside, there’s nothing better than watching British football with the locals in a classic striped tee.
Theatre
Act the part of a West End theatre-goer in a sophisticated yet timeless look with a chic pair of heels and subtle silk and satin.
FAQs
Why do we love London?
How can we not? London is the capital of England and home to some of our favorite style icons (hello, Twiggy, Lady Di, and Kate Moss!). We love the cozy pub scene, the next-level acting in every theater, and any excuse to see the Crown Jewels.
What’s the weather like in London?
As any Londoner will tell you, pack for all four seasons in a day. The weather is famously unpredictable—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain. In the summer, the temperature usually stays in the 60s and the 80s with some exceptionally hot days above 86℉. In the winter, it rarely snows, but it can be chilly. The average temperature during that time of year is between 36 and 46℉.
Can you Wear Jeans in London?
The short answer: absolutely! You can never go wrong with the hard-working, easy-to-style staple. Just make sure to leave your less tailored and lighter wash jeans at home. London, much like New York City, is a sophisticated metropolis where dressing up and getting ready in the morning have practically the same meaning. You don’t want to end up feeling too casual and out of place.
What’s a packing list?
Consider it your travel BFF. A packing list is a tool that helps ensure you have everything that you need packed and ready for your destination. Regardless of where you’re headed, Tuckernuck’s here to help you get there (and stay there) in style. For our London Packing List, we’ve broken down everything you need into six categories: dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. To top it off, we’ve given you some styling tips for what to wear while visiting our favorite places in The Square Mile.
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